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Posts Tagged ‘canyoneering’

Canyoneering in the Grand Canyon

Monday, December 19th, 2011

Last night in St George, we checked out a great presentation by Todd Martin, Rich Rudow and Dan Ransom. All three were showing photos and stories of their canyoneering exploration into the Grand Canyon.

Because of the it’s size, the Grand Canyon poses challenges to modern day canyoneers. It’s big; 16 miles wide and 1 mile deep in most spots; remote, has extreme weather conditions, and oh, yeah, the river to cross! Until Todd, Rich and Dan started exploring the technical side canyons of the Grand Canyon, most were only seen by river runners, hiking up from the river while on a Grand Canyon float trip. Canyoneers typically descend canyons from top-down, so these guys had a lot of adventure finding hiking routes to the top and descending into the the unknown.

The slideshow highlighted the new guidebook, by Todd Martin:

http://www.toddshikingguide.com/GrandCanyoneering/

The book is comprehensive and full of great photos. It’s amazing to see canyons with rappels up to 450′! Another new canyoneering technique is using a packraft to navigate the mighty Colorado River when needed.

The evening was capped with Dan Ransom, a Utah-based photographer and canyoneer, showing a preview of the movie the group is working on. The full length show will most likely debut in Spring 2012, but here is a great preview of how the canyons in Grand Canyon look:

http://vimeo.com/22309330

We’re excited to see the finished product! Thanks to Rich Rudow, Todd Martin, Dan Ransom, Bo Beck and the Desert Rat and St George Art Museum for collaborating on a great presentation.

 

 

Group Canyoneering Adventure

Saturday, June 11th, 2011

Canyoneering is a great activity for a group on their trip to Zion National Park.  Suzy signed her friends up for an ultimate canyoneering trip to celebrate a birthday and a couple’s anniversary in the group. Suzy and her friends are on the adventerous side and were certainly up for the long hike and rappels up to 175 feet in length that the Ultimate Canyoneering Trip affords.  We customize all group events and offer half-day and full-day guided trips suited for groups that range in age and experience.

Here is a shot of the group on the hike in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A view of the big 170′ foot waterfall rappel from the approach trail.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A great shot of the group at the top of the hike. This is just before we begin descending the canyon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Very excited and happy to be out with friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A great shot of Kimberly on the big waterfall rappel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One last shot of the group climbing through the slot.

Weekend Rally Package

Saturday, May 21st, 2011

This 2 Day Package is designed for people looking to rally in the Zion area. Pick & Choose any two full day activities: Canyoneering, Rock Climbing and/or Mountain Biking.

We guide individuals of all levels and abilities. Whether its your first time experiencing these outdoor sports, or you are a dedicated weekend warrior to these activities, we look forward to showing you the beauty of the southwest while teaching you new skills and techniques for each discipline.

Itinerary:

  • Day 1- Full Day of Canyoneering
  • Day 2- Full Day of Climbing or Mountain Biking or Hiking the Narrows

This Package Includes:

 

  • Daily Breakfast & Lunch
  • One Dinner
  • Private trip with Personal & Professional Guide
  • All technical equipment needed for all sports
  • The latest full-suspension mountain bikes
  • Transportation to and from sites

2 Person Minimum

$450/person

Additional Options

  • Bed & Breakfast option
  • 1 Day Spa option


Safely Exploring Subway Canyon

Thursday, April 28th, 2011

Ask any Zion canyoneer what the classic canyon is to descend in Zion, and many will answer The Subway. Located on the expansive Kolob Terrace of Zion, it has a slickrock approach, slotted canyons, clear flowing water and a few short rappels: the Subway is a sublime desert experience.

However, Zion’s famous Subway Canyon has been in the news a lot this spring, because of lost or overdue parties descending and subsequent search and rescues. Luckily, no one has been seriously injured in these canyoneering rescues. Currently the Zion watershed is 188% above our average snowpack and springtime flooding is higher than normal, so its easy to assume many beginner canyoneers and hikers are simply running into epic conditions that make the descent harder and more dangerous.

If you are interested in the stories this past week, here’s a sampling:

Video: Stranded hikers reach safety with help from Air Force

Because of the unique high water conditions and safety concerns, the Subway is currently closed from the Top-Down canyoneering route. It will re-open once conditions improve, probably in the next few weeks.

How can you learn the skills to canyoneer and safely descend the Subway?

Stories like these and 127 Hours survivor, Aaron Ralston often make the average adventurer and their group nervous to take on canyoneering on their own. However, with a few important skills and techniques, you and your group can safely and efficiently descend the Subway this summer or fall on your own. In lower water conditions, the canyon is a top choice for novice canyoneers who have some training under their belt.

At ZMS, we strive to teach students how to be competent, safe and reliable canyoneers. Many who have taken our One Day Course with us have descended the Subway the next day on their own, and have had a successful and safe time. We have also had many clients really enjoy taking our Two Day and Three Day courses because it allows them the ability to practice new skills and techniques more while under the guidance of our accredited guides.

Our courses cover route finding, safe belaying, proper rope management, and safe rappelling techniques that every  beginner canyoneer should know when attempting the Subway. After you have taken a course with us, we provide rental equipment and up to date conditions. It’s the best way to learn new skills and check out Zion in a new way: the canyons.

Check out our courses HERE.

Spring Canyoneering in Zion

Monday, April 4th, 2011

Spring canyoneering in Zion National Park can be a very exciting and adventurous experience. Depending on our winter, you can find large snow drifts, flowing water from snow melt, and very cold water. Currently, we are at 140% snow pack and it has been melting.

Spring Waterfall Rappel. Click to Enlarge

 

Applying skills learned from a Three Day Basic in Kolob Canyon. Click to Enlarge

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spring can actually be a pretty serious time to go into these cold chasms and go canyoneering. If you are a private party, proper equipment, knowledge, and experience is crucial to navigating these slots safely and efficiently. Efficiency is paramount to getting out and into the sun sooner than later. Over the years, there have been many parties who have underestimated these endeavors.

Avoiding the water in Water Canyon. Click to enlarge.

 

Zion Mountain School offers Canyoneering Courses and Guided Trips for all abilities and experience levels to help you properly and safely navigate these canyons on your own. We also guide both wet and dry canyons during this time of year. Your trip includes all necessary safety gear and equipment as well as professional guidance and instruction necessary to have a safe and fun day.

The weather is perfect, the cotton woods and flowers are blooming, making this one of the more beautiful times of the year to explore Zion National Park.

 

 


 

Visit Zion free for National Park Week: April 16-24

Friday, April 1st, 2011

A rainbow over the Watchman

The week of April 16th thru the 22nd is National Park Week.  During this week all entrance fees to the park are waived to encourage people to get out and explore their National Parks.  This was an idea spearheaded by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to help promote access to our beautiful parks, “Americas Best Idea”.  The fee  free days apply to all National Parks and National Monuments.  This is a great deal for people visiting the Zion area and wanting to see other parks nearby like Bryce Canyon or Grand Canyon.  Many of the parks are having special events and volunteer opportunities to get further involved.

To help show our support and gratitude for the National Parks System Zion Mountain School is offering a 10% discount on all guided trips and instructional courses during National Park Week.  It is a great chance to visit Zion and try something new like canyoneering, rock climbing, or a mountain biking trip.  Just mention this post when call to book or enter the coupon code “npweek” into our online booking system.